*Chapter 10: A Freak of Nature*

In the next instant, a white bone blade viciously pierced through Yoru’s body. Three more bone spikes followed, impaling him completely.

Mei Terumī saw it all—but she wasn’t worried.

A mere Chunin-level opponent couldn’t deal fatal damage to Yoru.

Sure enough, just as the Kaguya clansman began to gloat, a blade erupted from his chest.

*"Impossible!"*

Blood spilled from his lips as his eyes widened in shock. The "Yoru" he had skewered dissolved into water—a Water Clone!

*"His hand seals… I didn’t even see him form them!"*

Yūgao and the others watching were stunned.

*"And how the hell did he get so much stronger in just two days?!"*

Yūgao gritted her teeth. She was still locked in an even fight with one Kaguya clansman, while Yoru had already taken down two. The gap was painfully obvious.

The same thought crossed the minds of Hōzuki Suigetsu, Shimura Isshin, and even Yoru’s own teammates, Harunami Yuno and Natsuka Rin.

They’d assumed they were at least his equals—if not stronger.

Reality had slapped them hard.

Yoru was miles ahead.

Naturally, his performance also caught the attention of Kiri’s elite.

"As expected of Mei Terumī’s little brother. With a sister like that, it’s no surprise he’s strong."

—Zabuza Momochi.

"Interesting. This brat’s got some tricks up his sleeve."

—Raiga Kurosuki, grinning as lightning crackled around him.

Even Kisame Hoshigaki and the other Seven Swordsmen took notice.

How could they not?

Fifteen seconds. Two kills.

No other rookie came close. Even some of the seasoned ANBU couldn’t match that efficiency.

Yoru was, without a doubt, the standout performer.

"Guess staying low-key was never an option."

He sighed internally, feeling the weight of their gazes.

"Fine. If that’s how it is… I’ll go all out."

Modesty be damned.

He’d already figured out the Kaguya clan’s fighting style.

*"Water Style: Hidden Mist Technique!"*

Thick fog swallowed several Kaguya clansmen. Seconds later, screams tore through the mist—sharp, desperate, and abruptly cut off.

When the fog cleared, four corpses lay on the ground, their eyes frozen in terror.

The entire ordeal lasted less than a minute.

*"Tch… What a monster."*

Yūgao and the others stared at Yoru like he was some kind of freak.

Four kills in under a minute?

This guy wasn’t just strong—he was unnatural.

*"You little shit! DIE!"*

A roar erupted as a Kaguya clansman—Special Jonin-level—charged at Yoru.

*"Ten-Finger Drilling Bullets!"*

Bone projectiles whistled through the air. Yoru dodged them all, but the enemy closed the gap instantly, driving a fist into his gut.

*"Guh—!"*

Blood sprayed from Yoru’s mouth as he was sent flying.

*"Dance of the Larch!"*

Before he could recover, the clansman yanked his own spine out, whipping it around Yoru like a chain.

*"Now… DIE!"*

A bone spear materialized in his hand, aimed straight for Yoru’s heart.

*"YORU!"*

Mei’s voice cracked with panic.

She could tell—this was the real Yoru. If that spear hit, not even a miracle could save him.

*"Keh heh heh! Mei Terumī, you’ve got nerve to look away from me!"*

The Kaguya clan leader, her opponent, seized the opening.

*"Dance of the Willow!"*

Bone spikes erupted from his body. Mei barely dodged with a Water Clone, but not without injury.

Meanwhile, Yoru faced death head-on.

He saw the triumph in his attacker’s eyes—the sadistic glee.

Yet, strangely, he felt… relieved.

"Good thing I upgraded my speed."

"Otherwise, I’d never have pulled this off."

*"Gold Binding Technique!"*

By the time Mei regained her footing, the bone spear had frozen—two centimeters from Yoru’s chest.

She exhaled in relief.

The others, however, were stunned.

"When did he even weave the seals?!"

Yoru wrenched himself free and began another set of hand signs—but the Kaguya clansman broke the genjutsu in two seconds (it would’ve held a Chunin for six).

*"Not enough, brat!"*

The clansman lunged again, disrupting Yoru’s seals.

Forced into close combat, Yoru drew his sword—but against the Kaguya’s taijutsu, his Chunin-level kenjutsu was outmatched.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

He was pushed back, each strike heavier and faster than the last.

*"Give up. The only end waiting for you is death."*

The clansman bared his teeth.

*"Remember the name of your killer—Kaguya Yanagi!"*

Bone spikes erupted from his body again, forcing Yoru to retreat. But Yanagi spun like a buzzsaw, closing in relentlessly.

Yoru had no choice.

*"Water Style: Water Wall!"*

BOOM!

The ground shook as the barrier held—for two seconds—before shattering. The bone whirlwind ripped into Yoru, shredding flesh—

Only for his body to collapse into water.

Another Water Clone.

Yoru’s voice echoed from behind Yanagi.

*"Water Style: Hidden Mist Technique!"*

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